Paphinia

Paphinia is a genus of 16 species of epiphytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. It is native to northern South America, from Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad and Venezuela. The genus Paphinia is abbreviated as Pna in horticultural trade.

Paphinia species are medium-sized epiphytes with small ovoid pseudobulbs, and 2 or more leaves. The pendant, five-petalled, star-shaped flowers of chocolate, mahogany red color are produced several times throughout the year. The plants should be hung at a slight angle so that the flower spike can freely hang over the edge of pot.

Paphinia species grow well in intermediate to warm temperatures, 50% or more humidity, and low to medium light conditions. Paphinia has growing and dormant sesons. The plants enter the dormant stage after flowering. Clay pots are better than plastic when planting Paphinia, and repot the plant in sphagnum moss once every year.